GRTS Deputy DG Testifies in Caliph General and Co Trial

By Kebba JeffangThe Deputy Director General of the Gambia Radio and TelevisionServices (GRTS) on Thursday, 30th April, 2015 testified in the trial involving Sheikh Muhideen Hydara and Buyeh Touray, the Caliph General and the former Alkalo of Darsilami Sangajor respectively after which the defence counsel closed their case.When the case was called at Brikama Magistrates’ Court beforeMagistrate Ebrima Jaiteh, the state was represented by Chief InspectorCamara and Sub Inspector Ebrima Sarr whilst Lawyers Antouman Gaye andLamin K. Mboge appeared for the accused persons.Counsel Gaye reminded the new magistrate who was just presiding overthe case for the first time that they have earlier subpoenaed theDirector General of the state broadcaster. He said the purpose of hisinvitation is for him to produce the audio cassette containing thepurported announcement concerning Edul-Fitr prayer that was held latelast July, 2014. He said the witness will also testify as to what heknows about the case.Lawyer Gaye further applied for adjournment on the basisthat the material should be better listened to by the magistrate. Headded that the adjournment will also give them the opportunity to talkto their witness before he testifies.However the trial magistrate ruled that the matter can stillproceed with the testimony of the witness and then he can go through thematerial later. He said the matter can be stood down for the defenceto have discussion with their witness and the matter can proceedlater.In testifying, the witness identified himself as Bai BaboucarrSanyang. He said he is the deputy director general of GRTS. He said helives in Wellingara , Kombo North in the West Coast Region, adding thathis occupation is telecom engineer. He said the court subpoenaed theDG but he has travelled outside the country and asked him to step inon his behalf.“I brought the materials that he was asked to bring and they includethe recording of a video and the written form. The written form is thetranscription of the video recording and they are both originals. Thetranscription has been signed and stamped by myself. They are storedin the archive of GRTS,” said Sanyang.Counsel Gaye applied to tender both documents (video recording and thetranscription).There was no objection from the prosecution regarding the tendering of thesaid documents.The court therefore admitted the video recording and thetranscription as Exhibits D1 and D2.Mr. Sanyang concluded that the transcription reads:‘Translation of Panel on Idul Fitr’ adding that the panelists wereCherno Darbo, Momodou Lamin Touray, Sheikh Sheriff Malick Bajan,Oustass Momodou Jallow, Sheikh Ebrima Jarju and Sheikh Ebrima Jagana.The defence team led by Lawyer Gaye at this juncture announced theclosure of their case.The matter was then adjourned till 11 May, 2015 for address by thedefence at 1pm.